Tag-Archive for ◊ Ithaca ◊

• Monday, September 13th, 2010

ITHACA NY — Fri SEPT 17th An O’Shanigans dance party at Bethel Grove! The O’Shanigans are back for a fabulous Contra Dance at Bethel Grove Community Center with the marvelous Nancy Spero calling the dances at 1825 Slaterville Road (Rt 79 about 4 miles east of Ithaca) Ithaca NY from 8-11 pm. Don’t miss this celebration of the roots of New England folk dance! This is an authentic Old New England style venue with a newly refinished wooden dance floor! Bring clean shoes, a water bottle and YOUR FRIENDS! All dances taught, No partner needed. Admission $6- Sponsored by: TCCD - Tompkins County Country Dances.

O’Shanigans is Tim Ball on fiddle, Mike Ludgate on mandolin and tenor banjo and Phil Robinson on guitar.

BAND WEBSITE http://www.canaaninstitute.org/oshanigans.html
VENUE WEBSITE http://tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayDance.com?key=US_NY_ITH_TCCD
VENUE’S POSTER http://canaaninstitute.org/photos/TCCD_Insert_current.pdf
BAND’S EVENT POSTER http://canaaninstitute.org/docs/Oshanigans_current_poster.pdf
FACEBOOK EVENT http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138051732905626

NPR: Youth Flock To Contra Dancing — Contra dancing has been around since the 1700s. If you don’t know it — it’s kind of like square dancing but with long lines of dancers. The dance is having a renaissance around the country thanks to a thriving youth scene and incredibly lively acoustic music. Article by Marika Partridge on All Things Considered NPR July 2nd 2010 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128273050

DIRECTIONS to this DANCE — http://tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayVenue.com?key=US_NY_ITH_BG Bethel Grove Community Center 1825 Slaterville Road (NYS Rt.79) (from Ithaca take State Street east to Rt. 79, about four miles from the Ithaca Commons; a few hundred yards past the Bible Church) Google Maps http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode&q=1825+Slaterville+Rd%2C+Ithaca%2C+NY+14850&sll=42.41161%2C-76.29505&sspn=0.008523%2C0.01929&ie=UTF8&hq&hnear=1825+Slaterville+Rd%2C+Ithaca%2C+Tompkins%2C+New+York+14850&ll=42.40552%2C-76.432515&spn=0.034097%2C0.077162&z=14

More information About Contra Dancing:
http://www.greatmeadowmusic.com/music.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance
http://tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayDance.com/US_NY_ITH_TCCD
http://hands4dancers.org/
http://www.syracusecountrydancers.org/
http://contra.binghamtondance.org/contra_calendar.htm
http://www.thedancegypsy.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTtEOaruqr4
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128273050

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Author: Guest
• Saturday, February 21st, 2009

The Finger Lakes Bagpipe Band is presenting its first concert on February 28th at 7:00 in the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca. Tickets are $7.00 at the door, affordable for even the most frugal Scotsman.

The band now boasts 14 pipers and 5 drummers. Mark Cushing, the founder of Cushing Bagpipes in Enfield, is the Pipe Major. The band has been working hard since September to come up to Mark’s standards of musicianship and is now ready for its first public performance. The concert will feature the band playing a variety of traditional and not so traditional tunes. If your only experience with pipe bands is the hometown St. Patrick’s Day parade, you’ll be amazed at the music a well-drilled band can produce.

Our top players will show off the intricate fingering technique of competition marches and dances on the solo pipes. And we’ll introduce you to the haunting beauty of piobaireachd (pee-broch), the classical music of the Great Highland Bagpipe.

There are other kinds of bagpipes, and a group from the band will play one set on the small pipes–miniature versions of the big pipe and very musical. It’s the only time we’ll need an amplifier!

A special treat will be spectacular demonstrations of the two competing kinds of Celtic dancing–the hands-in-the-air leaps of Highland dancers vs. the hands-down hardshoe rhythmic power of Irish step dancers. Even if you have your doubts about the pipes, come for the dancing, which will be a show in itself.

The Finger Lakes Pipe Band promises you great music and a great time and a slight ringing in the ears. The more people in the hall, the less overpowering the sound. So bring some friends.

For further information contact Allan Eaglesham ( aeaglesh@twcny.rr.com ) , or Mark Cushing ( info@cushingbagpipe.com )

The Finger Lakes Pipe Band

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• Thursday, February 05th, 2009

What’s happening this weekend? A sample of the newsletter: Get on the email list! :-) Email Mike and ask to subscribe to the “music list” michael at canaaninstitute dot org

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The Kitchen Theatre to offer Acting and Playwriting Classes Brian Dykstra and Margarett Perry will teach classes in March 2009 http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=2364#2364

FLURRY CARPOOL  — FORUM http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=2327#2327 If anyone else wants to POST carpool or roomshare info there, I’d be happy to - just email me! -m

Next Canaan Rd workshop Wed Feb 25th is for melody instruments by Kathy Selby but could include everyone depending on the topic we pick. Please send FEEDBACK to Mike or Kathy. Info here http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?t=705

Thu Feb 05    Long John & The Tights at The Pourhouse 19 West Main Street in Trumansburg, New York 14886 http://www.tburgpourhouse.com/ 7:00 pm

Thu Feb 05    The long-awaited return of COWBOY JUNKIES to Ithaca on February 5, 2009 http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=2163#2163

Fri Feb 06    Canadian Indie-pop band STARS will arrive in Ithaca at the State Theatre on Friday, February 6. This will be the first co-presentation between Dan Smalls Presents and both local colleges - The Cornell Concert Commission AND the Ithaca College Bureau of Concerts. It will be a sign of the solidarity that exists in the local music scene and all three organizations will share in the risk and responsibilities of presenting the show. http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=2275#2275

Fri Feb 06    Contra Dance every Friday at Bethel Grove Community Center 8 pm $6- dance FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=31552309563 AND http://www.ludgatefarms.com/mus_dance.html — The Thrill Dogs w/ caller TBA. Waltz Jam 7 pm.

Fri Feb 06    Friday at Felicia’s with The Hogwashers www.myspace.com/thehogwashers 5:30-8:30 pm http://www.atomicloungeithaca.com/calendar.php — THE HOGWASHERS.   Foot-tapping, thigh-slapping, whiskey-drinking, harmony-filled old time music with Steve Selin (fiddle), Jason Zorn (mandolin), Joe Damiano (banjo) and Mike Levy (bass). $2 Yuenglings, $4 Cosmos/Lychees/Bloodys, and $2.50 Drunken Dogs boiled with beer and topped with homemade ketchup, homemade mustard and homemade onion relish.  No cover. www.myspace.com/thehogwashers

Fri Feb 06    Los Finsteros — The unique Ragrass, String to Swing band will perform Feb 6th Friday 9:00 pm to Midnight at: The Rongovian Embassy 1 W. Main St., Trumansburg, NY 607.387.3334 www.LOSFINSTEROS.com and www.rongo.com

Fri Feb 06    Small Kings - Acoustic Duo Smooth harmonies, rock, pop and bluegrass 7-9pm at Dryden Community Center Cafe, One West Main Street, 607.844.1500 Dryden, NY www.drydencafe.org

Fri Feb 06    Syracuse — LOST TIME performs at May Memorial. Featuring rich harmony singing, clean picking and dazzling instrumentals, Lost Time has become a central part of the bluegrass scene in upstate New York. http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=2359#2359

Fri Feb 06    Yardvarks at the Pourhouse, 7-10 pm:  Latest medical reports have lead singer Tom Farrell fighting off a flu and not in his usual voice but that’s good because maybe he will play more of his delicious guitar.  The Pourhouse on Friday in February?  It doesn’t get any cozier than that.

Sat Feb 07    Contra Dance — Syracuse Country Dancers http://www.syracusecountrydancers.org/ Contra Dance — David Smukler calling to music by Rick Manning and Tom Hodgson.

Sat Feb 07    John Specker in concert — http://www.myspace.com/thespeckers concert sponsored by the Cornell Folk Song Society http://www.cornellfolksong.org/ http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=2340#2340 BLOG article http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusicblog/?p=825

Sat Feb 07    Mudbone at the Pourhouse in Trumansburg. Music starts around 7-ish and goes til 10 or 11-ish. This is a great place with really good food, so stop in for dinner, or drinks, or both!  Directions: http://www.tburgpourhouse.com http://www.myspace.com/mudbonerocks Mudbone is:  Monica & Dan Pritchard • Rob VanVleet • Andy Russell • Todd Edmonds • Dan Lashkoff

Sat Feb 07    Old Time Square Dance Night at Close Hall is Feb 7th 8:00 pm Music by the Hogwashers. Nancy Spero calling. Details here http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=2271#2271

Sat Feb 07    Pamela Goddard singing traditional songs for winter and romance, at Standing Stone Vineyards It’s Seneca Lake’s Wine and Chocolate weekend! Stop in for some sweet treats and beat cabin fever. Saturday, Feb. 7th  1-3pm

Sat Feb 07    Swing Dance with Live Music — The Ithaca Swing Dance Network and Cornell Swing Dance Club are proud to present Diana Leigh & Crazy Rhythm at a swing dance on Saturday, February 7, at the Memorial Room, Willard Straight Hall, on the Cornell campus in Ithaca, from 8:30 PM to midnight. Hailing from Ithaca, NY, Diana Leigh & Crazy Rhythm serve up swing as hot as it comes and blues as cool as you like it: from the Duke to Dinah Washington. The band features Diana, with her silvery, powerful voice and some of the area’s finest musicians. A “dancers’ band”, Diana Leigh & Crazy Rhythm have enchanted dancers in throughout the Northeast. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (60+) and students. There will be an introductory swing lesson at 7:30 as part of the admission. ISDN Volunteers will be recognized in the first break. Ithaca Swing Dance Network is a not-for-profit organization run by dancers for dancers! www.cornell.edu/maps/ www.ithacaswing.org

Sat Feb 07    SYR — Kambuyu Marimba Ensemble will be performing at the Mundy Branch Library this Saturday, February 7th, from 2-3 pm!   http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=2363#2363

Sat Feb 07    The Ithaca Festival 2009 is proud to announce its third annual Paint-Off, a live-action painting event featuring 25 local artists who will each strive to create a unique masterpiece within the span of just one hour! The event will be held on February 7 in the atrium of Center Ithaca. Doors will open at 7:00, and the painting will begin at 7:30 sharp. Food and drink will be provided with the $15 ticket ($8 for ages 13-17, 12 and under free) and the evening will include live folk-chamber music from Ti Ti Chickapea (featuring Hank Roberts, Eric Aceto, and Richie Stearns). The evening will be hosted by the exuberant Peggy Haine, and will culminate with a live auction and raffle. Raffle tickets win you the oppurtunity to take home one of many masterpieces for only $10, or 2 for $15. Five paintings will be selected by a panel of celebrity judges, these special pieces will be auctioned off directly after the raffle. Bid on your favorite!  http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=2353#2353

Sat Feb 07    VESTAL — Cabin Fever Concert at the Vestal Library. Curt Osgood, Hope Grietzer and Jim MacWilliams, present a lively program of fiddle tunes and singing songs garnered from the Appalachin old-time, French Canadian, New England, and Celtic repertoires. With strong harmony vocals and instrumentation featuring fiddle, hammered dulcimer, clawhammer banjo, and guitar. Come join us for a rare local concert appearance!  Cabin Fever Concert 7-9pm Vestal Public Library, Vestal Pkwy, Vestal, NY — Free  For info- 607 754 4244   Sponsored by Friends of the Vestal Public Library

Sun Feb 08    Cornell Concert Series presents the Juilliard String Quartet on February 8, at 3PM, at Bailey Hall

Sun Feb 08    Juilliard String Quartet will grace the stage of Cornell University’s Bailey Hall on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 3:00pm. Violinists Joel Smirnoff and Ronald Copes, violist Samuel Rhodes, and cellist Joel Krosnick will present four of Franz Joseph Haydn’s Op. 20 “Sun” Quartets, a selection commemorating the 200th anniversary of Haydn’s death. http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=2341#2341

Sun Feb 08    LONG JOHN AND THE TIGHTS on WVBR’S Bound for Glory — Old Timey mountain music at its best, music to get your toes tapping.  Most of the members of Long John and the Tights are familiar to Bound for Glory audiences, because they live around Ithaca, but this is actually the first time that this particular band has played the show.  Traditional music to warm up a Winter’s night. Sunday night 8 to 11 pm live sets at 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30 pm at Anabel Taylor Hall on Cornell Campus Ithaca NY - FREE - Kids are always welcome. Refreshments are available. Broadcast live at WVBR-FM, 93.5 and 105.5, also web stream http://wvbr.com Presented by long-time host Phil Shapiro.

Sun Feb 08    Maxie’s has live music every TUE and SUN 6-10 pm http://www.maxies.com/events.html

Sun Feb 08    Mudbone is really pleased to be playing at a benefit for Cameron Vorhis on Sunday afternoon 2/8 at Castaways in Ithaca. Cameron recently had open heart surgery and isn’t covered by health benefits. Come on out so we can show Cameron and his family some love in these hard times. Castaways and the family will be providing food, and music starts at 4 pm Band line up: Mudbone 4pm Danno & The Getters 5pm 505 Blues 6pm http://www.myspace.com/mudbonerocks Mudbone is:  Monica & Dan Pritchard • Rob VanVleet • Andy Russell • Todd Edmonds • Dan Lashkoff

Sun Feb 08    Radio London at Oasis (formerly Common Ground) 4-7 pm — The name of the venue has changed and so has the decor (it’s a lovely renovation) but some things will always be, and one of them is the annual Hawaiian Beach Bash in this club featuring Radio London.  Beachwear  welcome and dancing shoes are non-negotiable.  As usual the group features the legendary Neal Massa on keyboards and this time out the most appropriately named Mark Party on drums.

Sun Feb 08    Sunday at Felicia’s with Jennie Lowe (Stearns), Emily Arin, Chris Seeds www.jenniestearns.com 7 pm http://www.atomicloungeithaca.com/calendar.php — Songwriters in the round …. Jennie Lowe (Stearns) is a classic American songwriter. By turns heartbreaking and hopeful, Jennie’s songs are evocative, poignant and haunting. Quintessentially human. Her strong yet intimate vocal style and the vivid imagery portrayed by her lyrics gently draw the listener into her world. Despite the often sombre mood, you’ll find yourself strangely at one with her perspective. www.jenniestearns.com.  A Los Angeles native, Emily Arin recently migrated to upstate New York to settle into small town living for a while.  She has already carved a place for herself in Ithaca with her sweet smile, her talented songwriting and her moody, lyrical songs.  www.emilyarin.com.   Chris seeds is from Brooklyn,and his music has a Graham Parson’s feel.

Mon Feb 09    Open Jam - Dance tunes and singing at the Scale House Brewery in the Small Mall 23 Cinema Dr Ithaca NY - Every Monday 7-9 pm DETAILS http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=1969#1969

Mon Feb 09    Swingin’ to the Blues Jam - Dancing to live music - Blues, R&B & swing music with the live band blues jam! 2nd Mondays: 9-12am The Nines, 311 College Ave, Ithaca, NY West Coast, Lindy, Jitterbug, and just mess around social dancing to great live music! $4 cover

Mon Feb 09    Swingin’ to the Blues Jam - Dancing to live music - Blues, R&B & swing music with the live band blues jam! 2nd Mondays: 9-12am The Nines, 311 College Ave, Ithaca, NY West Coast, Lindy, Jitterbug, and just mess around social dancing to great live music! $4 cover

Mon Feb 09    Three Girls and their Buddy tour to visit Ithaca February 9th - FEATURING: EMMYLOU HARRIS, PATTY GRIFFIN, SHAWN COLVIN, and BUDDY MILLER! This is an astounding lineup of performers and we at Dan Smalls Presents couldn’t be happier that we have been selected as a presenter for a date on this year’s tour. Tickets will go on sale Friday, November 21st at 10AM at the State Theatre Box Office, 105 West State Street in Ithaca, NY, online at stateofithaca.com, or by calling 800.919.6272. There are three price levels: Gold Circle -$68.00 plus theatre restoration surcharge, $51.00 plus theatre restoration surcharge and $41.00 plus theatre restoration surcharge.  MORE DETAILS http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=2181#2181

Tue Feb 10    Maxie’s has live music every TUE and SUN 6-10 pm http://www.maxies.com/events.htmlSpecial Guest Jack Magee, from Magee, MS will be playing with Richie Stearns, Steve Selin and other members of Evil City Stringband. Jack is in town to record a CD of Mississippi fiddle tunes with Richie, Steve and Ben! Great fun!

Tue Feb 10    Nate and Kate TUES, Feb 10th at 8pm “Homebrew” on WICB, 91.7 fm Central-NY’s airwaves, & wicb.org http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH7trJVzYV0 Nate & Kate www.cdbaby.com/cd/natekate and www.myspace.com/nateandkatemusic

CURRENT CALENDAR — MUSIC HOME http://www.ludgatefarms.com/musicnt.htm
ARTICLES OF INTEREST — MUSIC BLOG http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusicblog/
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DETAILS ON ABOVE — MUSIC FORUM http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/
FUTURE CALENDAR — UPCOMING LISTINGS http://www.ludgatefarms.com/mus_upcom.html

Mike’s MySpace http://www.myspace.com/michael_ludgate
Mike’s Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=510688550

Web and server space for “Mikes-Music” donated by ludgatefarms.com, canaaninstitute.org and icycle.org

LOCAL FOOD PLUG — Ludgate Farms http://ludgatefarms.com/ is my family’s farm market and natural food store. We have been selling local, organic and specialty food items for over 35 years. We are open 7 days a week from 9 am - 9 pm, have easy free parking and a bike rack for cyclists! Support our community projects like this list-serve and web space by supporting our store! Even small purchases make a difference to small retailers like us! Thanks in advance for your patronage! -Mike :-)

Thanks for reading,
Mike :-)

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• Friday, January 30th, 2009

It’s official - you’ve probably heard the rumors. The Common Ground Night Club in Ithaca NY is under new ownership and is now called The Oasis Dance Club. They recently remodeled and expanded and refinished their dance floor and are making a serious effort to support live local dance music.

More news on their website http://www.ithacacommonground.com/ go check them out! Looks like Oasis has a new web site up! http://www.ithacaoasis.com/

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• Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

Going Strong in its Seventh Decade: the Juilliard String Quartet brings Haydn anniversary program to Cornell’s Bailey Hall

“The Juilliard String Quartet remains the standard by which all other quartets must be judged.” - Los Angeles Times

Ithaca, NY – In the 60+ years of its existence, the Juilliard String Quartet has become internationally renowned and admired for performances characterized by clarity of structure, beauty of sound, and extraordinary unanimity of purpose.  Recognized for the boldness of its interpretation of the classics as well as for championing new works, the Juilliard has long been recognized as the quintessential American string quartet.

On Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 3:00pm, the Juilliard String Quartet will grace the stage of Cornell University’s Bailey Hall. Violinists Joel Smirnoff and Ronald Copes, violist Samuel Rhodes, and cellist Joel Krosnick will present four of Franz Joseph Haydn’s Op. 20 “Sun” Quartets, a selection commemorating the 200th anniversary of Haydn’s death. This special matinée concert, presented by the Cornell Concert Series, will be one of Mr. Smirnoff’s final appearances with the quartet [he is leaving the quartet to serve as president of the Cleveland Institute of Music].  Tickets are available at www.cornellconcertseries.com and through the Ticket Center at Clinton House, 116 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, (607)273-4497 or (800)284-8422.  Ticket prices range from $22-32 for the general public and $16 for students; a Cornell discount is available on-line only with netID authentication.

In January 2008 Chamber Music America recognized the Juilliard String Quartet with its highest honor, the Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award, in acknowledgement of the Quartet’s artistry, dedication and advocacy of excellence in chamber music.  As Quartet-in-Residence at New York City’s Juilliard School as well as the Library of Congress, the Juilliard String Quartet is widely admired for its exemplary influence on aspiring string players around the world.

The Juilliard String Quartet has performed a comprehensive repertoire of some 500 works, ranging from the great classical repertoire to compositions of the current centuries.  It was the first ensemble to play all six Bartók quartets in the United States, and it rescued the Schöenberg quartets from obscurity. An ardent champion of contemporary American music, the Quartet has premiered more than 60 compositions of American composers, including works by some of America’s finest jazz musicians.

More information on the Juilliard String Quartet can be found at www.juilliardstringquartet.org.

Juilliard String Quartet – Bailey Hall, Cornell University
Sunday, February 8, 2009 – Bailey Hall, 3 p.m. matinée

Program: Four of Franz Joseph Haydn’s Op. 20 “Sun” Quartets:  No. 4 in in D Major; No. 3 in G Minor; No. 5 in F Minor; No. 2 in C Major.

Tickets: Reserved seating.  General $22/27/32, Students $16 all sections [Cornell discount rate available on-line only with valid netID.]
on-line:        www.cornellconcertseries.com
in-person:    Ticket Center at Clinton House, 116 N. Cayuga St., Downtown Ithaca
by phone:     (607)273-4497 or (800)284-8422

Event Parking: Free weekend parking is available at the Schoellkopf Field Garage, located between Campus and Hoy Rds. just two blocks from Bailey.  Concert Series also sponsors a complimentary shuttle between the garage, Dairy Bar, and hall.  A confirmed schedule of stops can be found at cornellconcertseries.com.

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Author: Margaret
• Thursday, October 23rd, 2008

Big contra dance with renowned New England band Wild Asparagus, George Marshall calling, at B. J. Martin School, 302 W. Buffalo St., Ithaca. 3:30-5:30 pm, session for experienced dancers; 5:45 pm potluck; 7:30-8:00 pm instruction for newcomers; 8:00-11:30 pm dancing for all. No partner needed. Clean, soft-soled shoes, please. Info: 607-273-7076 or visit www.hands4dancers.org.

Springing up in the 1980s in the heart of the Pioneer Valley, Asparagus Capital of Massachusetts, the renowned band WILD ASPARAGUS has been vital in the contra dance renaissance. Their monthly “first-Saturdays” at Greenfield (dance mecca) are packed. Over the years, these top musicians have put their individual stamp on traditional tunes from New England, Canada, the wider Celtic world, and beyond. Their hallmark is playfulness: imaginative arrangements and dynamic pacing that draw on sources from medieval Brittany to pop to hot Latin grooves. You won’t want to miss this unique blend of skilled musicianship, creativity, and energy! Becky Tracy on fiddle shows incomparable flow and soul; David Cantieni, woodwind wizard, provides exuberant melody with flutes, tin whistle, oboe, saxophone, and bombard; Ann Percival on piano, guitar, and vocals is the essential heartbeat of the band; George Marshall, gifted at English concertina, bodhran, and bones, brings drive and does double duty as a caller renowned for simple, elegant teaching and an excellent selection of dances.

Wild Asparagus playing music with George Marshall calling; a Contra dance Hands sponsored by Four Dancers of Ithaca  Saturday, 25 October, 3:30-5:30 (experienced dancers) and 8:00-11:30 pm  Beverly J. Martin School, 302 West Buffalo Street, Ithaca. A newcomers’ [dance] workshop at 7:30 pm will cover basic steps and patterns. All dances taught. Bring clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the floor. And bring a dish-to-pass for a potluck at 5:45 pm. Info: 607-273-7076 or www.hands4dancers.org Both sessions, $12 members/$15 nonmembers; afternoon only, $6/$8; evening only, $9/$12.

– Margaret Shepard

FORUM THREAD FOR THIS GROUP http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=2039#2039

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• Thursday, September 25th, 2008
This jam session started many years ago at my home near Hammond Hill with myself and a cello player learning duets. (Well … I was learning). I discovered in the year or so to follow that I loved fiddle tunes and especially dance tunes. The melodies played for what we now-a-days call contra dancing integrate some of the greatest variety of traditional music from the USA, Canada, British Isles and parts of Northern Europe like Norway, Sweden and France along with “neo-traditional” tunes written in a traditional style. These are the tunes we play: Irish, French Canadian, New England, Southern Old Time, Celtic …

The jam started as a “slow jam” but now the speed of the tunes is often close to dance speed (~115 steps or beats per minute is “dance speed”) while maintaining a learning atmosphere: sheet music is available [ we work from the Your Friends and Neighbors YFN tune set ] for all tunes played and mp3s are available for many - bring a recorder! We take turns and go around the circle choosing tunes - so everyone gets to pick a favorite. We make an effort to announce the name of the tune and what key it is in to help for later study …

All instruments welcome - we have actually been short on guitars lately for example! Email Mike for directions michael@canaaninstitute.org

See you some Wednesday soon!
Mike

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